Film Definition and Elements

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Questions and Answers

Which studio was known for its women-themed and komiks adaptations?

Premiere Films

Sampaguita Pictures (correct)

LVN

Lebran

What major shift occurred in the Philippine film industry during the 1970s?

The introduction of international film festivals

The rise of Bomba films

The establishment of BCMP under Marcos (correct)

The decline of action films

Which of the following filmmakers is known for the film 'Himala'?

Ishmael Bernal (correct)

Celso Ad Castillo

Mario O'Hara

Eddie Romero

What type of films saw a rise in popularity during the 1960s in the Philippines?

Bomba films Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does contemporary Philippine cinema face?

Competition from foreign films Signup and view all the answers

What element distinguishes action/adventure films?

Physical struggles and risky situations Signup and view all the answers

Which genre blends humor with romantic elements?

Romantic Comedy Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred during the Sound Era of film?

Synchronized sound was introduced Signup and view all the answers

Which type of film is most associated with dark and supernatural themes?

Horror Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the transition from black-and-white to color films?

Color processes became more affordable Signup and view all the answers

Which filmmaker is recognized as the 'Father of Philippine Movies'?

José Nepomuceno Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of digital technology impact filmmaking in the 2000s?

Revolutionized filmmaking and distribution Signup and view all the answers

Which category does not accurately describe films from the Silent Era?

Extensive use of visual effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a screenplay in film production?

To serve as the foundational narrative and structure of the film Signup and view all the answers

Which type of script is written specifically upon request by producers, directors, or actors?

Commissioned Script Signup and view all the answers

Which type of director focuses primarily on performance and believability?

Actors' Director Signup and view all the answers

What role does a production designer play in film?

Create and oversee the overall aesthetic of sets and environments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of film mentioned in the content?

Biographical Film Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a documentary film?

Real people and actual events with no scripted lines Signup and view all the answers

How do cinematographers contribute to the film's atmosphere?

Through camera work, lighting, and shot composition Signup and view all the answers

Which genre of film is primarily characterized by emotional scenes?

Drama Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Film Definition and Elements

Film is a photographic material that captures visual images and sound.
The term "cinema" stems from the French word "cinematographe," meaning "movie" and "motion."
A screenplay, written by a scriptwriter, serves as the foundation of a film.
Two types of screenplays exist: Spec Scripts (pre-written by the writer) and Commissioned Scripts (written upon request).
Ricky Lee defined six elements for writing a film:
- Concept: The film's theme.
- Premise: The "What if?" question that drives excitement in the story.
- Statement: The plot elaboration.
- Millieu: Time and place of the setting.
- Characters: Bring life and dialogue to the screen.
- Structure: Organizes the entire film.
The director holds overall artistic control of the film.
Directors can specialize in specific areas like actors, visuals, or both.
Directors collaborate with producers who manage finances, promotions, and legal aspects.
Production design encompasses all visual elements on screen, including props, location, lighting, costumes, makeup, and visual effects.
The production designer ensures the set aligns with the aesthetic of the film.
Lead actors play the primary roles, while supporting actors complement them.
Extras or bit-players have minimal speaking lines.
Cinematographers handle camera work, including lighting, angles, and shot composition.
Cinematography shapes the visual style and atmosphere of each scene.
During post-production, the editor arranges scenes, often removing unnecessary shots, and connects the remaining angles to create a seamless story.
Film music enhances emotional tone, builds tension, and complements key scenes.
Film sound, including dialogue, dubbing, and silence, adds meaning to every scene.
Sound creates atmosphere and aids in storytelling.

Types of Film

Narrative Film (Commercial or Mainstream Film): Focuses on fictional characters and stories.
Documentary Film: Focuses on real people and actual events, often using interviews and real dialogues.
Experimental Film (Indie or Digital Film): Utilizes new styles and approaches in storytelling.

Film Genres

Drama: Characterized by emotional scenes, often associated with crying.
Comedy: Focuses on humor and aims to make the audience laugh, celebrating life and being alive.
Action/Adventure: Features physical struggles and risky situations.
Mystery/Crime: Creates a suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere with inquisitive plot twists.
Romantic Comedy: A blend of humor and love stories.
Biography: Depicts the real-life stories of real people.
Sci-Fi/Science Fiction: Uses modern technology and futuristic gadgets as key elements.
Fantasy: Features magic, mythological creatures, and worlds beyond reality.
Horror: Dark, gothic, often associated with evil or supernatural forces.

Brief History of Film

Early films were static shots of events with no editing or cinematic techniques.
The first versions were viewing machines displaying images through paper prints on a rotating drum, known as the "peeping hole."
Silent films dominated the early film industry, without synchronized sound, often accompanied by live musicians and sound effects.
Intertitles were used for dialogue and narration in silent films.
The later introduction of synchronized sound (speech, music, sound effects) marked the Sound Era.
These films were referred to as "talkies" or talking pictures.
Color films gradually replaced black-and-white as color processes became more affordable.
By the 1960s, color became the standard for filmmaking.
The 2000s saw the rise of modern films as a commercial genre, driven by profit and sustainability.
Digital technology revolutionized filmmaking and distribution.
Platforms like YouTube and online video services increased the demand for audio-visual content.
3D films became popular during this era.

Philippine Film History

Early Beginnings (1890s-1930s): Film began with Swiss filmmakers showing film clips in the 1890s.
In 1912, two Americans created a movie about José Rizal.
José Nepomuceno is recognized as the "Father of Philippine Movies" for his 1919 film "Dalagang Bukid," which featured live sounds added by performers.
Filipino filmmakers like Vicente Salumbides and Julian Manansala emerged in the 1930s, producing films.
Golden Age of Philippine Cinema (1950s): Films became popular entertainment in Manila after Japanese liberation.
Major film studios emerged:
- LVN (comedy, metrical tales)
- Sampaguita Pictures (women-themed, komiks adaptations, musical)
- Premiere Films (action)
- Lebran (historical epics)
The first Philippine film awards, Maria Clara Awards (now FAMAS), were established.
Gerry de Leon gained international acclaim for his film "Genghis Khan."
1960s Film Era:
- Fan culture rose, featuring popular tandems like Nora Aunor & Tirso Cruz III and Vilma Santos & Bobot Mortiz.
- "Bomba" films (softcore sex films) and cowboy movies emerged.
- Martial Law (1970s): The Board of Censors for Motion Pictures (BCMP, currently MTRCB or Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) was created under Marcos.
- Brilliant filmmakers gained prominence, including:
  - Lino Brocka ("Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang," "Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag")
  - Ishmael Bernal ("Himala," "City After Dark")
  - Celso Ad Castillo, Eddie Romero, Peque Gallaga, Mario O’Hara.
1980s and Beyond:
- Barkada-themed movies and English comedies like Gosiengfiao’s "Temptation Island" and "Bagets" gained popularity.
- The film industry faced challenges due to foreign films, producers' preferences, audience taste, censorship, and entertainment tax.
Contemporary Philippine Cinema:
- Independent films are gaining popularity, blending Western and Korean influences while staying faithful to Filipino culture.
- Challenges include foreign competition, producers' control, and censorship.

Problems of Philippine Film Today

Excessive Tax
Actors' Working Attitude
Invasion of Foreign Film
Producers
Censorship
The Taste of the Audience

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Explore the fundamental concepts of film, including its definition and key elements that contribute to the structure of a movie. Learn about the roles of screenwriters and directors in shaping cinematic experiences. This quiz dives into the essential terminology and concepts pivotal to understanding filmography.